The Theft of the Irish Crown Jewels

The 'Irish Crown Jewels' - the regalia or insignia of the Order of St Patrick, a chivalric order founded by the government in 1783 - mysteriously disappeared on or before 6th July 1907, as King Edward VII was on the point of visiting Ireland to invest a knight of the Order of St Patrick. The task entrusted to the Vice-Regal Commission appointed by the Lord Lieutenant-General and General Governor of Ireland was not to conduct a criminal investigation but to determine whether Sir Arthur Vicars, the Ulster King of Arms (the state heraldic and genealogical officer in charge of the Ofce of Arms in Dublin Castle) had 'exercised due vigilance and proper care' as the custodian of the star and badge. The report of the Vice-Regal Commission and Sir Arthur Vicars' statements to the police are reproduced here in full.